PNM scouting for talent

As the People’s National Movement (PNM) gears up for the 2015 general election, party chairman Franklin Khan said yesterday Rohan Sinanan has been appointed as the assistant campaign manager while former National Security minister Martin Joseph is its deputy campaign manager.

But the PNM is still scouting for candidates to contest 12 consituencies including Diego Martin West, Couva South, Chaguanas East, Caroni Central, Point Fortin, San Fernando West, Mayaro, Pointe-a-Pierre, St Joseph, Fyzabad, Tobago East and West.

Khan said the PNM is the “first party to sign on to the Code of Ethical/Political Conduct document for political Parties” which was the brainchild of Catholic Archbishop Fr Joseph Harris.

Khan made the comments yesterday after the PNM’s General Council meeting at Balisier House, Port of Spain. Among those present were Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Orville London and general secretary Ashton Ford.

Khan said: “(Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley) instituted the call for nomination of candidates. There are 12 constituences to be filled.”

Later on when asked what traits the prospective candidate needed to have, Khan said: “Mr Rowley said ‘the best man for the job’. We will be looking for a balanced slate in terms of equity and gender. All these things come into play.”

Turning his attention to the Code of Ethical/Political Conduct, Khan said: “The PNM is the first party to sign it. Civil society has taken the lead and the Archbishop has drafted a document.

It has been circulated for the political parties to sign and endorse. The oldest political party has given permission and endorses the document. Mr Rowley and I have signed committing the PNM to this code of conduct.”

He added: “It is important for the stability of Trinidad. We have been in power and authority. Whenever we have been out of power, there has been a smooth transition of power. That is why we had opposed the run off bill because it has the makings of not affording a smooth transition.”

Khan said the two-day annual PNM convention will take place on October 26 at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) hotel in Port of Spain.

The second meeting will be a huge rally at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.